This paper discusses the psychological states associated with various
theories of property. Many theories view property from the psychological
perspective of the owner, describing how property enables an owner to
create or present a self to the world, to enjoy a zone of liberty, to
acquire the confidence to participate in politics or economic
activities, among other matters. This paper, however, takes particular
interest in the psychological states associated with the non-owner — the
person who confronts the property of others. Some theorists have
described property as a “hawk/dove” or “chicken” game, in which the
non-owner takes a dove role, implicitly from fear. This paper argues,
however, that the non-owner’s respect for property cannot be explained
adequately by fear. Respect for the property of others emerges as a
somewhat mysterious psychological state from the point of view of
rational actors, but it is nevertheless critical for supporting the
institution of property.